Decimal to scientific notation converter
Type the number as it is, however long or small, and get its exact scientific form without computer rounding errors.
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Processing and privacy: The result is calculated inside your browser and your data is not sent to any server.
How to use it
- Enter number and significant figures (optional).
- The result appears straight away and updates as you edit.
- Copy the result, or copy a link that keeps the same values to share it.
How it is calculated
Move the decimal point until one non-zero digit sits before it: number = a × 10ⁿ with 1 ≤ |a| < 10, where n is the number of places moved (positive for numbers of 10 or more, negative for numbers below 1).
Example
Inputs: Number = 0.000456. Result: Scientific notation: 4.56 × 10⁻⁴; Exponent: -4.
0.000456
4.56 × 10⁻⁴
Limits and caveats
- Without a significant-figures value, trailing zeros are dropped, so 1200 shows as 1.2 × 10³.
- Rounding is half up (away from zero) on ties.
Questions about this tool
How do I write 0.000456 in scientific notation?
Move the decimal point 4 places so it sits after the 4, giving 4.56 × 10⁻⁴.
What is the difference between scientific and E notation?
They are the same number. E notation writes 10ⁿ as En, as calculators and spreadsheets do, for example 4.56E-4.
Can I paste numbers with thousands separators?
Yes. Commas and spaces are removed automatically, and Arabic-Indic digits such as ٣٫١٤ are accepted.